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Analysts explain costly illegal-bat foul by Bearcats' Peek vs Arizona
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- Analysts explain costly illegal-bat foul by Bearcats' Peek vs Arizona
The Cincinnati Bearcats were trailing the Arizona Wildcats 10-0 early in the third quarter of their Big 12 game in Tucson when the Wildcats' Antwan Roberts Jr. fumbled at the end of a long run, with UC's Jacob Finley punching the ball loose.
The ball went into the end zone, and UC's Antwan Peek Jr. was penalized for an illegal bat for intentionally sending the ball through the back of the end zone.
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Arizona got the ball at the UC 6-yard line, and scored three plays later on quarterback Noah Fifita's eight-yard run.
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cade Wolford (8) carries the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Jayzon Thompson (26) runs with the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats Inside Linebacker Mantay Weedon (44) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cade Wolford (8) catches a punt during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Zach Taylor (76) runs on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Will Kocher (15) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Zylan Perry (7) speaks with teammates during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Zac Clarke (63) blocks Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Luke Collins (79) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats inside linebacker Evan Weinberg hits a pad during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Dadrien Waller (19) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Luke Collins (79) runs on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Cole Tabb runs the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats Safety Landen Schaefer (32) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver DaMari Witherspoon (88) catches a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Cornerback Kenny Worthy (8) defends as Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Giyahni Kontosis (18) makes a catch during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Elijah Jones (14) takes a knee during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Liam O'Brien (10) high fives Cincinnati Bearcats JC French IV (4) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats defensive back Markell Taylor (27) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Malachi Henry (9) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Jamarion McKinney (21) and Cincinnati Bearcats Safety Xavier Starks (46) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Tight End Gavin Grover (87) stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Evan Tengesdahl stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati offensive lineman Xavier Lozowicki stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Kicker Max Lemasters (93) prepares to kick during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield walks the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Joe Cotton (74) stands during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Cornerback Kenny Woseley (8) walks the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Malachi Henry (9) stands on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Zylon Perry (7) runs the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Isaiah Johnson (0), Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Elijah Janes (14) and Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Cade Wolford (8) look on during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver H’eij Jackson (17) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Cole Tabb (4) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Will Kocher (15) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Zylon Perry (7) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cade Wolford (8) carries the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Jayzon Thompson (26) runs with the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats Inside Linebacker Mantay Weedon (44) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cade Wolford (8) catches a punt during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Zach Taylor (76) runs on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Will Kocher (15) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Zylan Perry (7) speaks with teammates during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Zac Clarke (63) blocks Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Luke Collins (79) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats inside linebacker Evan Weinberg hits a pad during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Dadrien Waller (19) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Luke Collins (79) runs on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Cole Tabb runs the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats Safety Landen Schaefer (32) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver DaMari Witherspoon (88) catches a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Cornerback Kenny Worthy (8) defends as Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Giyahni Kontosis (18) makes a catch during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Elijah Jones (14) takes a knee during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Liam O'Brien (10) high fives Cincinnati Bearcats JC French IV (4) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats defensive back Markell Taylor (27) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Malachi Henry (9) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Jamarion McKinney (21) and Cincinnati Bearcats Safety Xavier Starks (46) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Tight End Gavin Grover (87) stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Evan Tengesdahl stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati offensive lineman Xavier Lozowicki stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Kicker Max Lemasters (93) prepares to kick during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield walks the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Joe Cotton (74) stands during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Cornerback Kenny Woseley (8) walks the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Malachi Henry (9) stands on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Zylon Perry (7) runs the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Isaiah Johnson (0), Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Elijah Janes (14) and Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Cade Wolford (8) look on during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver H’eij Jackson (17) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Cole Tabb (4) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Will Kocher (15) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Zylon Perry (7) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
"This is an interesting play, because yes you have a bat in the end zone by the defense," Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira said during the broadcast. "You cannot bat the ball in any direction in the end zone. … That's an intentional bat, what he did. And then of course in the end zone, it's regardless of whether you bat it forward or backward. It's still an illegal bat."
Scott Satterfield's Bearcats caught a tough break with Antwan Peek Jr.'s illegal-bat penalty early in the third quarter against Arizona.
Antwan Peek Jr.'s illegal bat in end zone is 'a massive play in this game'
"If (Peek) just does a little scoop out of bounds, then it's a touchback and it's a great play that you're rallying off of," analyst Mark Helfrich said.
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"A massive play in this game," play-by-play announcer Jack Kizer said. "With the ball loose, Antwan Peek bats it out of bounds. If he just lets it go, it's a touchback probably!"
"Yeah, if he lets it go, probably is the operative word there," Helfrich said. "Or try to recover it. Or basically just smother it. Kind of legally tap it."
"Make it look less intentional," Kizer added.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Analysts explain costly illegal-bat foul by Bearcats' Peek vs Arizona
